On June 27–28, 2026, Baltimore Clayworks welcomed ceramic artist and educator Paul Briggs for a two-day Visiting Artist Workshop exploring his distinctive approach to hand-turned ceramics. Over the course of the weekend, participants immersed themselves in an intensive study of pinch-forming, discovering how patience, repetition, and a deep understanding of clay can transform a single lump of material into a functional vessel.
The workshop challenged students to rethink familiar making processes. Rather than relying on the potter’s wheel, Briggs demonstrated how the same upward movement can be achieved entirely by hand. Participants learned to slowly pinch and stretch up to five pounds of clay from a single ball, creating larger forms without adding or removing material; a process that demanded careful attention, consistency, and trust in the material.
Throughout the workshop, Briggs shared not only technical instruction but also his philosophy of making. Drawing from decades of experience as an artist, educator, and scholar, he encouraged participants to approach clay with curiosity and intention. His thoughtful teaching emphasized that every movement of the hand contributes to both the physical form and the maker’s understanding of the creative process.
The studio buzzed with focused energy as participants experimented, problem-solved, and celebrated each other’s progress. From the first tentative pinches to confidently formed vessels, students experienced firsthand how slowing down can open new possibilities in ceramic practice.
“I learned so much from this workshop. I gained a much better understanding of how to control the center of the clay, use both hands with the right pressure and rhythm, and build clean, well-balanced forms from a single lump of clay.” – Wei-Yin Chen, 2026 Short-Term Resident Artist
“I had a wonderful time assisting this workshop. Paul was so generous and thorough, working with every participant one-on-one and sharing his process in detail. Learning to slow down and take it one intentional, subtle pinch at a time was transformative.” – Katherine Pon-Cooper, 2025-26 EMBARC Fellow
We are grateful to Paul Briggs for sharing his expertise and unique perspective with our community, and to everyone who joined us for this inspiring weekend of learning. Workshops like these continue to strengthen Baltimore Clayworks as a place where artists of all backgrounds can expand their skills, exchange ideas, and deepen their connection to clay.
Stay tuned for future Visiting Artist Workshops as we continue to bring leading ceramic artists from across the country to Baltimore Clayworks for hands-on learning experiences.
